About this experience
Portuguese pastry makers take pride not only in Pastéis de Belém, and our gastronomic adventure will convince you of this! We will walk through the culinary glory spots of Lisbon, taste traditional pastries beloved by locals, and discuss medieval baking while exploring the reasons why Archangel Michael became the patron saint of Portuguese pastry makers.
What to Expect
Culinary Stories in the Heart of Lisbon
Our sweet stroll will begin at Rossio Square, where the largest market in Lisbon was located during the Middle Ages. At Figueira Square, we will admire the display and interiors of the oldest Lisbon cafe, where the main Christmas pie of Portugal was invented. Nearby, we will taste the most delicious Pastéis de Nata, according to locals. By the city's smallest church, belonging to the Lisbon confectioners' order, I will talk about the rituals and traditions performed here. Then, we will climb the hill to the picturesque ruins of Carmo Monastery, discussing how during the Age of Discovery Portugal influenced the cuisine of India, Brazil, China, and even Japan.
Portuguese Pastries — Explore and Taste!
We will visit a small cafe with Portuguese sweets: here you will hear the tale of a princess-nun, dragon's blood, Sicilian pirates, and taste 3 traditional pastries. After, we will head to the street where the legendary Lisbon pastry shop is located. Dozens of sweets, pastries, candied fruits — what more could a sweet tooth dream of? I will explain how pastry makers combine ancient recipes with new technologies, which sweets go out of fashion, and which ones are always in demand.
🍰 Local sweets are indeed very sweet — no wonder in the Middle Ages Portugal held a monopoly on sugar production in Europe. But don't worry about the calories: we will burn them immediately on the winding and steep hills of Lisbon's streets.
Organizational Details
Pastry tasting is not included in the excursion price.
